Recommended Listening for Drummers

I’m often asked by young budding drummers “What CD’s should I listen to?” and of course the answer is “Anything and everything!”. It’s so subjective and even top drummers wouldn’t be able to agree on a definitive ‘Top 10’ list of music all drummers should listen to.

Listen to what inspires you. Listen to what makes you happy. BUT that said, some top drummers have given their take on what inspired them over the years and through the magic of Spotify it’s now so easy to listen to all this great music, NOW! So here’s a list with Spotify links where possible:-

The Art of Bop Drumming (John Riley)

In this essential drummers’ book John recommends 6 CD’s to get you started on your bebop jazz journey. If you’re not into jazz some of this might be a bit heavy, but the music listed here is genuinely masterful. Have a listen – you can open the Spotify playlist directly from here.

Drums for Dummies (Jeff Strong)

Finally for now, in Drums for Dummies (which is a surprisingly good book!) Jeff lists ‘Ten Drummers You Should Know About’. He describes it as being a tough chapter to write and I don’t envy the task he had here! The list is an eclectic mix and certainly worthy of a listen. Jeff mentions that “…each have done something that changed the way we think of drumming.”. Here’s his list:-

Airto

Terry Bozzio

Candido Camero

Sheila E.

Steve Gadd

Evelyn Glennie

Trilok Gurtu

Tito Puente

Max Roach

Ringo Starr

It’s so easy now to listen great music and there’s enough stuff listed on this page to keep you occupied for some time! Buy the books, look up the drummers on Wiki, check out their discography on Spotify, have fun and make up your own lists! Although I started a ‘Top 10 Drummers Albums’ list of my own and it’s just too difficult. I’m up to 17 albums in the top 10 so far and found I started actually having arguments with myself. Here’s my take on it all – enjoy!